Supporting Our Society Holds Community Cookout

A community cookout was held at the Supporting Our Society retail store, at 503 Main St. in East Hartford.

The event was held on July 1, and was a collaboration with 89.9 FM Titanium Radio.

Families came and ate burgers, hot dogs, and chicken from the grill, along with rice, chips, and assorted beverages.

Children were able to play in the bounce house and get their faces painted, and everyone was able to enjoy the music provided by the DJ.

Baleisha Walcott came to the cookout with her family after seeing a flyer on Facebook.

"…Something to do with me and the kids instead of staying at home," said Walcott. "We don't have too much stuff going on for the kids."

Walcott said it was her Fourth of July cookout because she will working on the 4th.

Jovan Solano is the CEO of S.O.S. He wants the store to show how it is possible to start your own business, and not have to work for someone else.

"As long as you put good hard work and dedication into it, it'll pay off. People will support you as long as you put in hard work into your craft," said Solano.

The store has been in business since November, and also sells artwork. Solano said they're also in the process of getting authors as well.

"We're not trying to seclude ourselves. We're getting a few musicians; just trying to network with everybody," said Solano.

The clothes and artwork in the store are locally made. In the store, you can find a wall of business cards for various businesses. The store is not limited to what they can sell/advertise.

"People that do pools, construction to electricians," said Solano. "You can advertise in here, and I can definitely point you in the right direction."

The cookout is the first of its kind for the organization. Solano said it is a way to give back to the customers, and all of the food was free, thanks to the organization's staff providing the funds themselves.

"As people purchase, we invest back into the product," said Solano. "We appreciate you guys coming to support us, and making it not even a year – six months, but we will make this an annual thing."

Solano said the event was a good thing to do because it shows mutual support, and the togetherness of the community.

"The stronger we love our community, the stronger we are together," said Solano.

Solano said the store has been building its appearance, but people can except to see more of it.